Herb Spotlight: Saint John’s Wort for Depression & More

As a Sun child born of fire I’m not surprised how drawn to St. John’s wort that I was. From day 1 of my herbal studies I’ve known that this herb was important, after researching this post I know that is true. Extractions and oils have been made with these herbs have been used to balance the Solar Plexus chakra which is directly connected to the digestive and nervous systems. One of my most favorite things about this herbal anti-depressant is that it turns red when extracted. If you make an oil extraction the oil actually turns red as the plants finish their work. I’d recommend only working with this herb during the day, it’s truly a Sun plant and does it’s best work when treated as such.

How Does It Work? A perforation in the leaves of St. John’s Wort contain hypericum and other active compounds. Hypericum has been shown to work to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MNO) which contributes to depression. There are also some studies that show St. Johns Wort can help detoxify the liver and harmonize the relationship between the liver and the digestive system. The herb may also improve absorption of nutrients which will relieve issues with digestion by balancing levels of acid in the stomach. Lastly, it is antiviral and can be used both topically and internally for treating shingles as well as relieving pain and helping speed up the repair of tissues.

What Do I Do With It? Use the dried leaves to make an oil extraction. Leave the jar in the sunlight to extract, no need for putting it in the dark until after it’s been extracted. Taking the herb orally is the most recommended. There are also capsules and tinctures sold at stores with ground or otherwise manipulated St. John’s Wort. Applied topically the herb can help stimulate the regeneration of tissues on wounds or cuts as well as help to fight inflammation and nerve pain. For the former two instances it is recommended to combine both topical application and oral ingestion.

WARNING: IF YOU ARE TAKING ANTI-DEPRESSANTS PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING ANY ST. JOHN’S WORT. Also if you are on any other medications it is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before taking herbal medicines.